Jets fail to play spoilers against the Bills, with big names missing
The New York Jets’ 2021-22 season ended in historic fashion for all the wrong reasons.
Gang Green’s 53-yard output was the worst tally in franchise history, a number partly excused by the fact that Zach Wilson and Co. were missing the team’s top four receivers. All but 13 yards were earned on a 40-yard touchdown from Wilson to Keelan Cole, which obviously wasn’t enough to beat a Buffalo Bills team seeking an AFC East title.
Behind 424 yards, 302 earned by Josh Allen, the Bills (11-6) clinched the division crown and the postseason home game that comes with it. Buffalo topped the Jets by a 27-10 final.
- New York Jets 10 (4-13)
- Buffalo Bills 27 (11-6)
- NFL, Week 18, Final, Box Score
- Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
The game began in a predictable fashion, as Buffalo earned 145 yards and 10 points on their first two possessions. Most of the latter bunch was added through a 10-yard touchdown hookup between Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs.
The pair nearly connected for another but it was erased due to a review that determined he didn’t get both of his feet in bounds on the catch. Tyler Bass booted a 41-yard field goal to create a 10-0 lead.
An unreal throw and catch from Josh Allen to Stefon Diggs gives the #Bills a quick 7-0 lead 🤩 #NYJvsBUF | #BillsMafia
— Bills Cold Front Report (@ColdFrontReport) January 9, 2022
The Jets didn’t get into opposing territory until the final stages of the first half thanks to a shanked Matt Haack punt that went only 21 yards.
Needing five yards on fourth down to continue the drive, Wilson found Keelan Cole for a 40-yard touchdown, the latter’s first score of the season.
Yup, Cover 1 Robber, and if Zach Wilson saw the drive from Poyer and beat him to the punch, that’s a hell of a QB play. Keelan Cole hits the end zone. 10-7 Bills.pic.twitter.com/Cja5M3ZzUK
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) January 9, 2022
Though the Jets’ defense mostly held strong after the opening two scores, the Bills used a 10-play, 81-yard drive that fell three yards short of the end zone to pick up a Bass field goal from 21 yards away.
The two sides mostly exchanged punts in the third quarter, with another Haack attempt from his own 22 ending in disaster when he fumbled the snap. New York would lose nine yards on the ensuing possession, but Eddy Pineiro salvaged the trip with a 49-yard triple that narrowed the gap to three once again.
This desperation punt attempt 😩 pic.twitter.com/FpcLOyU0Sz
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) January 9, 2022
That, however, turned out to be the Jets’ final points of the season. Buffalo put them away with two more scores, each from Devin Singletary.
The first was a one-yard punch-in before Allen found him on a five-yard passing score that sent Orchard Park into hysterics, as it secured their second consecutive AFC East title, creating their first such streak since a four-year tally that began over three decades prior (1988-91).
Devin Singletary fights his way into the end zone to put the #Bills back up by 10.
Buffalo leads 20-10 with under nine minutes left to play in the fourth quarter.#NYJvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/18RtZYXojr
— Bills Cold Front Report (@ColdFrontReport) January 10, 2022
Bills just pouring it on now 💯
Devin Singletary with the insurance TD 🙌pic.twitter.com/2s7N0URreh
— Bills Nation (@BillsNationCP) January 10, 2022
The Jets secured their historically low offensive tallies thanks in part to an offensive line that was missing several regulars.
Wilson was haplessly sacked nine times in defeat, while the Jets could only muster four first downs.
Ed Oliver has had such a quality year. Here is lined up at edge (he’s a defensive tackle) attacking the tackle’s outside shoulder, ripping underneath, then spinning back inside to out leverage the tackle for the sack#BillsMafia #Bills #GoBills
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) January 10, 2022
With their loss, the Jets (4-13) finish winless in AFC East play for the second consecutive season. Their 13-loss total gives them 27 defeats over the last two years, the worst mark in franchise history since they dropped 28 in 1995-96.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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For only once i agree with the Pundits. The Jets must have 8+ wins next season or its time to release and fire some people on the Jets. Joe Douglas 2020 Draft Class is looking like a major distaster
Becton we don’t know his health status has to be a big cornerstone next year
Mims will be traded or cut
Aston Davis looks like a trainwreck a guy i did like coming out
Jabari Zuniga is he even on the team?
La’Mical Perine he won’t be on the team
James Morgan one of the biggest waste of picks in team history *Hackenberg will always be #1 in that department i nearly broke my lap on that pick*
Cam Clark we don’t know if he will ever be 100 percent in his career after that camp injury
Brandon Mann a mix bag…
Bottom Line- Joe Douglas is on the hot seat if he does not get some starters and pro bowls with the ammo he has and cap money he has he will be a goner next year if the Jets do not reach 8 wins… Its time to go to work Joe Douglas
Double the wins each year. Bryce Hall
I agree things will get hot if the win total doesn’t increase. I think they would all get another season, which would be a true indicator of Zach, Saleh and Douglas would have extra time. They can’t chop some of it, we all know that doesn’t work. You’re not going to agree but, I’m willing to give Douglas a pass on that draft class, given the COVID limitations on scouting, picking etc. The coach he was working with at the time surely had say, and there was some major cleaning up to do from McCagnan. I like Douglas, and think he’s the right guy. I don’t agree with everything he does, and I have given him plenty of heat for some things but overall, so far it’s not been much different than some of the other GM’s who are considered good at what they do. He basically drafted 4 or more guys last year who belong on a NFL field. That’s good. I think they Jets got it right. I’m willing to ride him a bit longer. I also like Saleh, he checks his ego at the door and guys do like playing for him. I’m willing to ride him a bit longer than most coaches. The coach in NE wasn’t a very good coach for the 1st 7 years of his HC career. I think it’s too early to start saying turn up the heat. This team got better, what they brought to Buffalo was equivalent to taking a JV team into a Varsity game and they hung in. They beat Cincy and Tenn. Something is going right in the middle of everything we see as going wrong.
Give credit to them for hanging in for as long as they could. If we are being honest, the team they brought to Buffalo today wasn’t not NFL talent. They are decimated by injuries, sickness etc. They held their own, and since I listen to the excuses flow for the Golden Boy in NE and Two Yard Tom Brady, the Jets deserve credit for fighting today. Especially, since there was nothing to fight for.
Showed a little Hope for this Defense. Jobs on the line, McDermott, Edoga & Feeney are not of NFL talent. Scrubeenie WR’s were ineffective, possible WR coaching change. Tarik Black >> Denzel Mims
I think the D showed more for Ulbrich than anybody else. I have had questions about him all year but he showed me something yesterday. I know they have little talent but they finally showed some fight and some adjustments. I do have to admit however I’m concerned with Hall. I think he’s a bit overrated. He doesn’t make plays. He gets beat quite a bit because he has to give up space and I think he’s reached his ceiling which is a marginal #2 CB. I think that room needs a major injection of talent.
You for sure opened my eyes on the WR coaching situation, and passing game. I hope they fix that with some coaching adjustments. I read Beck won’t be back, he’s going back to private lessons they need an upgrade.
Lock that the Jets will draft a CB within the First Four picks. Secondary coaches have been superior. On the other side, concern over WR Coach, and there is a need for a Passing Game Coordinator. Greg Knapp was never adequately replaced. Very Tough Position to fill, but a great opportunity for someone. Good news is that Saleh holds coaches accountable, expect decisive movement. Staffs of the Bears , Vikings, Dolphins & Broncos could all be looking for Jobs. Very disappointed that Beck is leaving
I think Beck can do more for Zach not on staff. He’s got access to him during times the team cannot and now that he’s spent time on the staff it gives him a major advantage to coaching him in the off-season. I think it’s the best move. My feeling has been the staff needs some experience. Vic Fangio is sure to get a job but he is worth considering in a role, not sure what Zimmer would do but I’m sure he could also help the defensive staff. I also like Jim Caldwell if he doesn’t get a job. You know my dream is Kubiak. Also, on the slim chance the Raiders clean house, Gus Bradley is a no brainer.
You could be very right, Beck’s independence May have more value to Zack.Not sure if Saleh makes changes with his Defensive Coaches. Like Jim Caldwell as a Passing Game Coordinator, But favorite today is Pep Hamilton, see a potential synergy with Lafleur, innovative. JD would have to move quickly.
Good looking on Pep Hamilton. I can get behind him, and I agree he and Lafleur could be a great team. He doesn’t bring the HC experience but I think he’d be an asset to the team. Already been in NY too. I’m not thinking a “change” to the defensive staff, maybe an addition. It’s unlikely, just a thought to bring some experience.